Republicans had been watching the former vice presidential candidate closely to see which way he would break on the latest proposal from House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) to avoid automatic tax increases that take hold on every American next year.

“Chairman Ryan will continue to work to protect as many Americans as possible from tax hikes,” Ryan spokesman Conor Sweeney e-mailed Wednesday. “Chairman Ryan believes that Speaker Boehner’s ‘Plan B’ meets that criteria.”

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.